Employment Specialist

Jobs Crafters; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobs Crafters is seeking an Employment Specialist to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment in Miami, Florida. You will collaborate with DVR counselors, employers, and community partners to support personalized employment goals and ensure accurate documentation.

You will conduct employment planning, job development, placement support, and coaching to promote workplace readiness and job retention, while maintaining compliance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Human Services, Rehabilitation Services, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Knowledge of job development, supported employment, job placement, and vocational rehabilitation services.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage an assigned caseload, and meet service deadlines.
• Valid Florida driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel within the community.

Responsibilities

• Employment Planning: Review participant referrals, identify employment interests, strengths, abilities, and transferable skills, and assist with individualized employment planning in accordance with the IPE.
• Job Development: Identify employment opportunities, establish relationships with employers, conduct employer outreach, and develop job opportunities that match participants' vocational goals.
• Job Placement: Assist participants with job searches, applications, resume preparation, interview skills, and securing competitive integrated employment.
• Employability Skills Training: Provide guidance and coaching to improve workplace readiness, communication, professionalism, and job-seeking skills.
• Job Coaching and Retention: Provide or coordinate individualized job coaching, workplace support, and follow-up services to promote successful job retention.
• Employer Relations: Communicate with employers to identify job opportunities, address workplace concerns, and explore reasonable accommodations when needed.
• Case Management and Documentation: Maintain accurate participant records, document all services and interactions in the Aware Vendor Portal, monitor employment progress, and submit required reports and employment verification documentation.
• VR Collaboration: Maintain regular communication with assigned DVR counselors regarding participant progress, employment goals, service needs, and job stabilization.
• Community Outreach: Participate in networking, employer recruitment, and community activities to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Confidentiality and Compliance: Follow DVR policies, confidentiality requirements, provider procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Independent work

Caseload management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Employment Specialist assists individuals with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining competitive integrated employment. The position works in collaboration with participants, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) counselors, employers, and community partners to achieve individualized employment goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Employment Planning: Review participant referrals, identify employment interests, strengths, abilities, and transferable skills, and assist with individualized employment planning in accordance with the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
• Job Development: Identify employment opportunities, establish relationships with employers, conduct employer outreach, and develop job opportunities that match participants' vocational goals.
• Job Placement: Assist participants with job searches, applications, resume preparation, interview skills, and securing competitive integrated employment.
• Employability Skills Training: Provide guidance and coaching to improve workplace readiness, communication, professionalism, and job-seeking skills.
• Job Coaching and Retention: Provide or coordinate individualized job coaching, workplace support, and follow-up services to promote successful job retention.
• Employer Relations: Communicate with employers to identify job opportunities, address workplace concerns, and explore reasonable accommodations when needed.
• Case Management and Documentation: Maintain accurate participant records, document all services and interactions in the Aware Vendor Portal, monitor employment progress, and submit required reports and employment verification documentation.
• VR Collaboration: Maintain regular communication with assigned DVR counselors regarding participant progress, employment goals, service needs, and job stabilization.
• Community Outreach: Participate in networking, employer recruitment, and community activities to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Confidentiality and Compliance: Follow DVR policies, confidentiality requirements, provider procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Human Services, Rehabilitation Services, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Knowledge of job development, supported employment, job placement, and vocational rehabilitation services.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage an assigned caseload, and meet service deadlines.
• Valid Florida driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel within the community.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency.
• Experience working with Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).
• Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations, and competitive integrated employment.
• Experience working with employers and community-based organizations.

Core Competencies

• Person-centered approach and self-determination.
• Professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Employer engagement and networking.
• Cultural competency and disability awareness.
• Commitment to promoting independence and economic self-sufficiency.